What Is Rhyme? | Definition & Examples
Rhyme is the repetition of identical or similar sounds at the end of words (e.g., “the cat in the hat”). Rhymes are often found at the end of a line in song lyrics or poems but can occur anywhere in a line or sentence.
Using rhyme adds a musical element to your writing and tends to make it more memorable and “catchy.”
As the moon reflects the sea so near.
The rain came down on a steady beat.
And puddles formed around my feet.
What is rhyme?
Rhyme is a literary device characterized by repeating identical or similar sounds at the end of words. Pairs of rhyming words typically occur at the end of lines (called an end rhyme), but they can also appear within the same line or in the middle of two different lines (called an internal rhyme).
Along with end rhymes and internal rhymes, other forms of rhymes include slant rhymes, perfect rhymes, and eye rhymes. Using rhyme in writing creates rhythm and makes words more memorable and engaging. This is why rhyme is popular in all types of writing, from children’s books to nursery rhymes to hip-hop music.
The different placements and types of rhymes within a line allow writers some flexibility and creativity. Using rhyme creatively is often viewed as a way of showing nuanced writing skills, especially in song lyrics.
Perfect rhyme
Perfect rhyme, also called true rhyme or exact rhyme, is when the final stressed syllable in the two rhyming words is identical, but the onset of the stressed syllable is different (e.g., light/bright, sing/ring). When we hear the generic term “rhyme,” we tend to think of what is actually a perfect rhyme.
As shadows stretch and dreams pass by.
The mountain peaks are covered in white,
A wondrous view that captures the sight.
Slant rhyme
A slant rhyme, also called half rhyme or near rhyme, is when two words end in similar but not identical sounds. Often, this means using the same vowel sound but different consonant sounds or vice versa (e.g., keep/sweet, hold/bald).
Even through random communication
A stanza from “The Conspiracy” by Robert Creely
Internal rhyme
An internal rhyme is when a pair of rhyming words occurs within the same line or in the middle of two different lines instead of at the end of two lines. Internal rhymes tend to be more subtle than end rhymes because rhyming at the ends of lines is more obvious.
I bring fresh showers for the thirsting flowers. —Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Cloud”
End rhyme
End rhyme is when the last word in a line rhymes with the last word in a subsequent line. End rhyme is what we tend to think of when we hear the generic term “rhyme.”
End rhymes can consist of a perfect rhyme or slant rhyme as long as the rhyming sound occurs at the end of the words on two different lines.
While autumn leaves dance down with ease.
With laughter shared, our worries cease,
Together we find our moments of peace.
Eye rhyme
Eye rhyme, also called sight rhyme or visual rhyme, is when words have almost identical spellings and appear as if they rhyme but are pronounced differently and don’t actually rhyme (e.g., laughter/daughter, food/blood).
And make the earth devour her own sweet brood;
Pluck the keen teeth from the fierce tiger’s jaws,
And burn the long-lived phoenix in her blood.
—William Shakespeare, “Sonnet 19”
What is a rhyme scheme?
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line. Rhyme schemes typically use letters to denote which lines rhyme with the other lines (e.g., ABAB, AABB).
If a rhyme scheme is denoted as ABAB, the first and third lines have one pair of rhyming words, and the second and fourth lines have a different pair of rhyming words. If a rhyme scheme is denoted as AABB, the first and second lines have one pair of rhyming words, and the third and fourth lines have a different pair of rhyming words.
Rhyme schemes can contain as many letters as needed to represent the different pairs of rhyming words. For example, the poem below contains four pairs of rhyming words and is denoted as ABAB CDCD.
As shadows stretch beneath the trees (B)
The night unfolds, a gentle wake (A)
Embracing whispers in the breeze (B)
A silver glow adorns the ground (C)
While crickets serenade the stars (D)
Each secret thought, a treasure found (C)
In the stillness, healing scars (D)
Frequently asked questions about rhyme
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Cove, R. (2024, October 22). What Is Rhyme? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 14, 2025, from https://www.scribbr.com/rhetoric/rhyme/
